2025: The Year of the Wood Snake from a Feng Shui Perspective and Top Feng Shui Tips 

2025: The Year of the Wood Snake from a Feng Shui Perspective and Top Feng Shui Tips

Symbolism and Characteristics
The Snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle, represents wisdom, intuition, and mystery. In 2025, it combines with the Wood element, which adds qualities of growth, creativity, and adaptability / flexibility. The Snake (蛇) is the sixth of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Wood Snake (yin) is associated with the Earthly Branch symbol 巳. In Chinese astrological symbology, snakes are also believed to be intelligent, with tendencies that are a bit unscrupulous, reserved, and contemplative.

Timing and Significance
The Year of the Wood Snake begins on 29 January 2025 and ends on 16 February 2026. This combination of Snake and Wood occurs once every 60 years in the Chinese astrological cycle.

Key Themes for 2025

• Wisdom and Intuition: The Snake’s natural traits of analytical thinking and insightfulness are emphasised.
• Growth, Transformation and Renewal: The Wood element encourages personal and professional development, learning, much like a snake shedding its skin.
• Creativity and Innovation: 2025 is expected to be a year of fresh perspectives and innovative problem-solving.
• Adaptability: The Wood Snake’s energy promotes flexibility in facing life’s challenges. Overall, snakes are highly specialised creatures with remarkable adaptations for survival in diverse environments. For this year and the next few years, adaptability will probably be the most important skill so continues accelerated learning is key! and action. One of the steps you can take now is to get our new book SPEED READING FASTER (coming out on 11 March – preorder now!)
• Introspection: This year encourages deep reflection and self-discovery and letting go of the old. Don’t get drawn into political theatre and dramas of 2025.
• Feng shui: Clutter clearing, letting go… (get rid of old clothes, things… donate to charities, etc). Focus on new, add new plants and rejuvenate your home and workplace.

Predictions and Influences

• Economic Outlook: Gradual and steady financial growth is expected, with a focus on long-term planning. Don’t get entangled in political and financial dramas – they can drain your energy unnecessary.
• Personal Development: Opportunities for learning, self-improvement, and spiritual growth are highlighted.
• Health and Wellness: Balance and thoughtful self-care are emphasised, with a focus on holistic well-being.

Cultural Significance

In Chinese culture, the Snake is admired for its beauty and mystique, symbolising elegance and subtle power. The Year of the Wood Snake offers a chance to embrace these qualities and approach the future with confidence and wisdom.

1965: The Previous Year of the Wood Snake

Significant Events in 1965

Civil Rights Movement

• The Voting Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on 6 August, outlawing discriminatory voting practices.
• The Watts Riots erupted in Los Angeles, California, on 11 August.

Vietnam War

• The first U.S. combat troops arrived in Vietnam, with 190,000 American soldiers in the country by the end of the year.
• On 28 July, President Johnson announced an increase in U.S. troops in South Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000.

Space Exploration

• The Intelsat I (“Early Bird”) communications satellite was launched on 6 April.
• NASA’s Mariner 4 flew by Mars, providing the first close-up images of the red planet.

Cultural Milestones

• The musical film The Sound of Music, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, premiered on 22 March.
• The Beatles performed the first stadium concert in rock history at Shea Stadium in New York City on 15 August.

International Relations

• West Germany and Israel established diplomatic relations on 12 May.
• The Indo-Pakistani War ended with a ceasefire on 22 September.

Scientific Achievements

• On 30 July, President Johnson signed the Social Security Act of 1965, establishing Medicare and Medicaid.

Other Notable Events

• Malcolm X was assassinated.
• The St. Louis Arch was completed.
• Winston Churchill’s funeral took place on 30 January.

Key Themes for 1965
The year 1965 can be characterised by the overarching theme of “Social Change and Global Tensions.” This theme is reflected in several pivotal events and movements. In the realm of civil rights and social justice, the Voting Rights Act marked a significant milestone for the Civil Rights Movement, while the Watts Riots underscored persistent racial tensions in the United States. The assassination of Malcolm X was a tragic loss, further highlighting the struggles within this transformative era.

International conflicts also defined 1965, with the Vietnam War escalating as U.S. troop numbers surged, and the Indo-Pakistani War concluding with a ceasefire. Meanwhile, the U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic’s civil war demonstrated the pervasive influence of Cold War dynamics.

In space exploration, significant achievements included the launch of the Intelsat I communications satellite and NASA’s Mariner 4’s flyby of Mars, showcasing human ingenuity amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. The cultural landscape shifted as well, with the premiere of The Sound of Music and The Beatles’ historic stadium concert, both of which highlighted evolving global cultural trends.

Political transformations added another layer to the year’s complexity. Singapore gained independence from Malaysia, and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) unilaterally declared independence from Britain, further reshaping international relations during this period of flux.

Western Astrological Perspective on 1965

Planetary Positions and Movements

• Saturn in Aquarius: Saturn was in its own sign of Aquarius, influencing social structures and collective consciousness.
• Jupiter’s Journey: Jupiter began the year retrograde in Aries, then moved into Taurus, forming a powerful aspect with Rahu (Guru Chandal). By year’s end, Jupiter approached its exaltation sign of Gemini.
• Outer Planets: Rahu was exalted in Taurus, while Ketu was exalted in Scorpio, creating a potent axis of karmic influence.

Solar Ingresses

The Sun’s entry into cardinal signs marked the changing of seasons:

• Spring Equinox: Sun entered Aries on 20 March 1965 at 20:05.
• Summer Solstice: Sun entered Cancer on 21 June 1965 at 14:56.
• Autumnal Equinox: Sun entered Libra on 23 September 1965 at 06:06.
• Winter Solstice: Sun entered Capricorn on 22 December 1965 at 01:41.

Notable Planetary Aspects

• Venus-Mars Conjunction: Venus and Mars were closely aligned in several signs throughout the year, intensifying matters of love, creativity, and assertiveness.
• Mercury Retrograde Periods: Mercury went retrograde multiple times, including a notable retrograde in Virgo from 3 August to 8 September.

Eclipses in 1965

• Total Solar Eclipse: 30 May.
• Partial Lunar Eclipse: 13-14 June.
• Annular Solar Eclipse: 23 November.
• Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: 8-9 December.

Astrological Significance

The combination of these aspects created a year of powerful transformative energy. The strong positions of Saturn, Jupiter, Rahu, and Ketu suggest a time of significant social change and personal growth. The multiple eclipses added intensity to these themes, potentially triggering major life events for individuals and on a global scale. This astrological landscape aligns with the historical events of 1965, reflecting the complex interplay of celestial energies during this pivotal time.

Astrological Outlook for 2025
The year 2025 ushers in a wave of fresh cosmic energy, with significant planetary movements stimulating the collective field. Mars-related themes will dominate the first half of the year, capturing our attention and shaping our priorities. Notably, Mars will form exact oppositions with transformative Pluto in January and April, marking critical periods for personal and collective shifts (details below).

Adding to the dynamic energy, two major planets will transition into Mars-ruled Aries: Neptune in March and Saturn in May. These shifts highlight the themes of fresh beginnings, bold initiatives, and the unguarded curiosity of a beginner’s mind. The influence of Saturn and Neptune in Aries will heighten our awareness of the need for structural renewal and spiritual clarity.

July will mark a pivotal moment when Saturn and Neptune align for the first time. This rare conjunction is likely to intensify pressures on outdated structures—both personal and societal—that no longer serve a purpose. The interplay between Saturn’s demand for practical foundations and Neptune’s visionary aspirations suggests a call to rebuild, reimagine, and align with a more sustainable and inspired future.

Prepare for a year of dynamic transformation, as the cosmos invites us to step boldly into new beginnings while dismantling what no longer holds resonance in our lives.

Comparing Chinese and Western Astrological Perspectives

Both Chinese and Western astrological systems provide rich frameworks for interpreting the energies of a given year, but their methodologies and focal points differ significantly. Chinese astrology employs a cyclical structure, combining a twelve-year zodiac with the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). This synthesis creates nuanced themes, such as the wisdom and adaptability symbolised by the Wood Snake in 2025. The emphasis is on holistic patterns, reflecting nature’s rhythms and fostering collective and personal insights.

Western astrology, on the other hand, is rooted in planetary movements and their influences on human affairs. The 1965 alignment of Saturn in Aquarius and Jupiter’s transit through Taurus and Gemini highlighted societal structures and opportunities for personal growth. Its approach is often more individualistic, with natal charts revealing specific life paths and psychological tendencies.

A key similarity lies in both systems’ use of symbolism and metaphor to interpret cosmic patterns. For instance, the Snake’s shedding of skin in Chinese astrology mirrors themes of transformation seen in Western astrology’s Pluto transits. However, their differences are equally notable. Chinese astrology’s periodic focus links personal fortunes to a broader, collective destiny, whereas Western astrology delves deeply into the intricate interplay of planetary aspects and house placements.

Together, these systems offer complementary lenses for understanding human experience. While Chinese astrology provides a macrocosmic view of cycles and elemental energies, Western astrology offers microcosmic insights into individual dynamics, both enriching the exploration of life’s mysteries.

Snake shedding its skin: transformation and renewal

Both Chinese and Western astrology interpret the themes of 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake, through their respective frameworks. For Chinese astrology, 2025 is defined by the qualities of the Snake, combined with the growth-oriented Wood element, emphasising themes like transformation, creativity, and intuition. This perspective highlights how individuals and societies can embrace cycles of renewal and balance.

Western astrology, while less specific to the Wood Snake, would interpret the year through planetary alignments and transits, such as Jupiter’s influence on growth and Saturn’s role in restructuring societal norms. The shedding of the Snake’s skin in Chinese astrology is analogous to transformative processes in Western astrology, such as a Pluto transit symbolising deep personal or societal change.

Together, these frameworks offer a holistic and dynamic understanding of 2025. Chinese astrology presents a collective, nature-inspired narrative, while Western astrology focuses on individual psychological and situational influences, making them complementary in guiding personal and societal transformation during this pivotal year.

Bagua model

Check where your feng shui star is located in the bagua model in 2025 and get a sense what might be a trend for your personal and professional.

1. Determine Your Personal Feng Shui Star: To tap into the energies of 2025, first find out your unique Feng Shui (Gua) star. You can easily do this by consulting the chart provided below. If you own a business, don’t forget to check the Feng Shui star from when your business was established.

2. Locate Your Feng Shui Star for 2025: Discover where your Feng Shui star resides in 2025 to understand the potential themes of the year for you. For instance, if your birth year is 2001, your Feng Shui star, number 8 (earth), will be in the sector of relationship, marriage and partnership 2025. Similarly, for those born in 1977, with a number 5 (earth) star, 2025 brings focus to the realms of knowledge, wisdom, new skills and introspection. If your feng shui star happens to be 2 (earth), in 2025, it’s in the middle of the chart which is about clarity, wellness and present moment.
TOP TIP: get the book Luck Factor to enhance your energy and position yourself better for this lucky year. This can change your life big time – how do I know? Lucky guess. For a general prosperity boost, get some images of koi carp.

Feng shui trend for 2025: Letting go, transformation and renewal

The central theme for feng shui in 2025 reflects the Snake’s symbolic shedding of its skin. This signifies letting go of old patterns, including habits, old ways of thinking and embracing transformation. It’s an auspicious time to focus on personal and professional growth by clearing clutter, creating open spaces, and fostering environments that encourage creativity and flexibility.

Snakes as animals are highly specialised creatures with remarkable adaptations for survival in diverse environments.

By aligning with these feng shui principles, individuals can optimise the energies of 2025, paving the way for harmony, prosperity, and holistic well-being in the Year of the Wood Snake.

Practical Feng Shui Steps for 2025:

1. Clear Clutter for Fresh Beginnings: Begin by decluttering your home and workspace to remove stagnant energy. A clean and organised environment fosters mental clarity and opens the path for new opportunities (use air cleansing plants). Do regular space clearing to let go and allow for transformation and renewal.
2. Enhance Creative Energy with the Wood Element: Incorporate natural materials like wooden furniture and greenery to support the Wood Snake’s themes of creativity and transformation. Adding plants, especially those with upward growth, symbolises vitality and progress. Similarly, images or artworks depicting trees, forests, or other natural landscapes can enhance the connection to the Wood element. These elements harmonise with 2025’s energy, promoting adaptability and innovation. The supporting element to wood is water so water features or images of water or fish can be very useful too.
3. Classical Feng Shui: Activate the Prosperity Star (#9): Focus on the east sector of your space, associated with wealth and joy in 2025. Add vibrant colours, plants, or lights to attract positive energy and amplify growth. Balance the Star #2: The central sector hosts the 2 Star in 2025. Use metal cures like a brass Wu Lou or metal wind chimes to mitigate its effects and promote health and well-being. Harmonise the Southeast with Tai Sui Remedies: Avoid major renovations or significant disturbances in the southeast sector, where Tai Sui resides. Place a Pi Yao or Tai Sui plaque to appease this influential energy.
4. Adaptation: Make your home adaptable to new things coming your way. The trend for 2025 is wellness homes with gyms, saunas, yoga studios and ice baths. Make sure you have areas of your home where you are naturally grounded/earthed e.g. baths.
5. Play (snake): Play has been suggested as an antidote for uncertainty (Lotto, 2017; Beebee and Dodd, 206). And it looks like we live in radically uncertain times. Embracing uncertainty through play and creativity can lead to innovation and adaptability, and is essential for personal and professional growth. Research shows that the feeling of uncertainty can paralyse people through anxiety and makes them spend time and effort searching for predictability. So add some fun, games to your home and workplaces.

By applying these feng shui adjustments, you can create a harmonious environment that aligns with the transformative energy of the Wood Snake, paving the way for a year filled with growth, prosperity, and renewal.

People born in the Year of the Snake, with corresponding elements:

Start date	End date	Heavenly branch
4 February 1905	24 January 1906	Wood Snake
23 January 1917	10 February 1918	Fire Snake
10 February 1929	29 January 1930	Earth Snake
27 January 1941	14 February 1942	Metal Snake
14 February 1953	2 February 1954	Water Snake
2 February 1965	20 January 1966	Wood Snake
18 February 1977	6 February 1978	Fire Snake
6 February 1989	26 January 1990	Earth Snake
24 January 2001	11 February 2002	Metal Snake
10 February 2013	30 January 2014	Water Snake
29 January 2025	16 February 2026	Wood Snake
15 February 2037	3 February 2038	Fire Snake
2 February 2049	22 January 2050	Earth Snake
21 January 2061	8 February 2062	Metal Snake
7 February 2073	26 January 2074	Water Snake
26 January 2085	13 February 2086	Wood Snake
12 February 2097	31 January 2098	Fire Snake

Check your Chinese Zodiac Signs / astrology profile

Pantone colour of 2025
Although, from the Chinese astrological perspective, the wood/tree element’s colour is green, Pantone colour of the year is Mocha Mousse.

‘Snake’ in English
English language is rich with metaphors and phrases containing the word “snake,” each conveying different meanings and connotations. Here are some notable examples:

1. Snake in the grass: A hidden danger or deceitful person
2. Snake oil salesman: A deceptive person selling fraudulent products
3. Snake eyes: Bad luck, particularly in gambling
4. Viper in one’s bosom: A betrayer or ungrateful person
5. Serpent’s tongue: Deceitful speech
6. Cold-blooded: Unfeeling or callous
7. Snake charm: Hypnotic influence
8. Snake around: Move stealthily or evasively
9. Python of pressure: Crushing stress
10. Cobra of coffee: Sudden alertness
11. Boa constrictor of bureaucracy: Overwhelming rules
12. Snake shedding its skin: Transformation or renewal
13. Lower than a snake’s belly: Extremely low or despicable
14. Snake pit: A chaotic or unpleasant situation
15. Snakebitten: Extremely unlucky
16. Mad as a snake: Extremely angry
17. Slippery as a snake: Evasive or untrustworthy

Snake oil, originally a legitimate Chinese medicine derived from water snakes, has become a symbol of fraudulent products and deceptive marketing.

In Chinese traditional medicine, snake oil was used to treat joint pain and inflammation due to its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The term “snake oil” gained notoriety in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Clark Stanley, known as the “Rattlesnake King,” popularised snake oil at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. He claimed his product could treat various ailments, from sciatica to toothaches.
However, in 1917, federal investigators discovered that Stanley’s snake oil contained no actual snake oil. This revelation led to “snake oil” becoming synonymous with fraudulent medical products and scams. Despite its negative connotation, recent studies have shown that genuine snake oil from Chinese water snakes does contain beneficial compounds. It has approximately 20% more EPA than salmon oil and may help with joint pain, arthritis, and cardiovascular health. Today, the term “snake oil” is used to describe any worthless product or idea promoted as a cure-all, extending beyond medicine to various fields, practices, professions including politics.

Snakes are fascinating reptiles with unique physical, behavioural, and biological characteristics. Here are the key points:

Physical Characteristics

• Snakes are limbless reptiles with elongated bodies covered in overlapping scales.
• They lack eyelids and external ear openings.
• Their skulls and jaws are highly flexible, allowing them to swallow prey larger than their heads.
• Internally, they have elongated organs to fit their narrow bodies, with some species having only one functional lung.

Hunting and Feeding

• Snakes are carnivores and swallow their prey whole without chewing.
• They use various hunting strategies:
  • Ambush predators wait in concealment for prey.
  • Active hunters pursue prey using their keen senses.
• They rely on their forked tongues and Jacobson’s organ to “smell” their surroundings and detect prey or predators.
• Some species have heat-sensing pits near their eyes to detect warm-blooded prey.
• Venomous snakes use fangs to inject venom, while others kill prey by constriction.

Behaviour and Locomotion

• Snakes exhibit diverse behaviours, including coiling defensively or flicking their tongues to gather sensory information.
• They move using various locomotion modes, such as lateral undulation (slithering), concertina movement for climbing, and sidewinding on loose surfaces.
• Most snakes are ectothermic (cold-blooded), relying on external heat sources to regulate body temperature.

Adaptations

• Their scales provide protection and aid in movement.
• Snakes shed their skin periodically through a process called ecdysis.
• They can digest large meals efficiently but may regurgitate if disturbed after feeding.

Ecological Role

• Snakes play essential roles in ecosystems as both predators and prey, helping control populations of rodents and other small animals.

Overall, snakes are highly specialised creatures with remarkable adaptations for survival in diverse environments.

As of 2022, there are approximately 3,971 known snake species worldwide. Of these, about 600 species are venomous, and around 200 are considered able to kill or significantly wound a human. To calculate the percentage of dangerously venomous snakes:

1. Total number of snake species: 3,971
2. Number of dangerously venomous species: 200

Percentage calculation:
(200 / 3,971) * 100 ≈ 5.04%Therefore, approximately 5.04% of all known snake species are considered dangerously venomous to humans. It’s worth noting that:

1. This small percentage of venomous snakes (about 7% of all snake species) are capable of causing significant harm or death to humans. The vast majority of snakes are either non-venomous or have venom that is not potent enough to be life-threatening to humans.
2. Most snakebites are caused by non-venomous snakes. Snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica, and only about 15% of all snake species are considered dangerous to humans.
3. While the percentage of dangerous snakes is relatively small, snakebites remain a significant health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. People in poor agricultural areas are most affected, with children, adolescents, and young adults at particular risk.

Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health

Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health, cleanliness, and sanitation, is closely associated with snakes for several significant reasons:

Symbolic Meaning

The snake holds profound symbolic importance in relation to Hygieia:

1. Renewal and Healing: Snakes shed their skin, symbolising renewal, rejuvenation, and the cyclical nature of health. This shedding process metaphorically represents the shedding of maladies and diseases, aligning with Hygieia’s role as a goddess of health.
2. Immortality: The snake’s ability to shed its skin also made it a symbol of immortality in ancient Greek culture. This connection to eternal life reinforced Hygieia’s association with sustained good health.
3. Wisdom and Guardianship: The serpent was seen as a symbol of wisdom and guardianship in Greek mythology. In Hygieia’s context, this wisdom likely related to medical knowledge and the protection of health.

Family Connections

Hygieia’s association with snakes is also tied to her familial relationships:

1. Daughter of Asclepius: As the daughter of Asclepius, the god of medicine, Hygieia inherited the snake symbolism. Asclepius was often depicted with a staff entwined by a serpent, known as the Rod of Asclepius.
2. Temples of Asclepius: Snakes were present in the healing temples dedicated to Asclepius and Hygieia. Patients would sleep in these sanctuaries, and it was believed that snakes might appear in their dreams to reveal cures for their ailments.

Iconography and Worship

In art and worship, Hygieia was frequently depicted with snakes:

1. Bowl and Serpent: Hygieia is often portrayed holding a shallow bowl or cup from which a snake drinks. This image became known as the “Bowl of Hygieia” and remains a symbol of pharmacy to this day.
2. Snake Entwined: In some representations, a large snake is shown wrapped around Hygieia’s body, emphasizing her close connection to the creature.
3. Votive Offerings: Statues of Hygieia adorned with snakes were found in healing centers throughout the ancient Greek world, and people would leave votive offerings at these statues.

Dual Nature of Medicine

The snake in Hygieia’s iconography also represents the dual nature of medicine:

1. Healing and Harm: Like snake venom, which can be deadly or medicinal depending on its use, the snake symbolises the delicate balance in medicine between potential harm and healing power.
2. Chthonic Connections: Snakes, living both on and under the ground, were seen as connecting the earthly realm with the underworld. This liminal nature aligned with the transformative power of healing, bridging illness and health.

In conclusion, the snake’s association with Hygieia encompasses multiple layers of symbolism, from renewal and wisdom to the very essence of medical practice, making it an integral part of her identity as the goddess of health.

The Symbolism of Snakes in Medical Emblems

The use of snakes in medical symbolism has a long and deeply rooted history, spanning cultures and centuries. Two of the most prominent symbols—the Caduceus and the Rod of Asclepius—feature serpents as central elements, each carrying distinct meanings within the realm of medicine and healing. While often confused, these symbols have different origins and associations that reveal the nuanced role of serpentine imagery in healthcare.

The Caduceus: A Symbol of Commerce, Not Medicine
The Caduceus is characterised by a staff entwined by two snakes, topped with a pair of wings. Its origins can be traced to ancient Greece, where it was associated with Hermes, the messenger of the gods—known as Mercury in Roman mythology. According to legend, Hermes encountered two snakes engaged in combat and, in an attempt to mediate, cast his staff between them. The serpents coiled around the staff in perfect symmetry, ceasing their conflict. Pleased with the outcome, Hermes adopted the staff as a personal emblem.

Traditionally, the Caduceus symbolised commerce, negotiation, and travel rather than medicine. In Greek and Roman mythology, Hermes was not a healer but a guide of souls, a patron of merchants, and, paradoxically, also associated with trickery and thieves. Despite its aesthetic appeal and widespread modern use in medical insignia, the Caduceus lacks a direct historical connection to healthcare or healing.

The Rod of Asclepius: The True Emblem of Medicine
In contrast, the Rod of Asclepius—a staff entwined by a single snake—is the authentic symbol of medicine and healing. It is associated with Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of medicine and son of Apollo. Mythology suggests that Asclepius was granted divine healing knowledge through his interactions with serpents. One story recounts how a snake cleaned his ears, imparting secret wisdom, while another describes a snake offering him an herb capable of resurrecting the dead.

The serpent in this context is a powerful symbol of renewal, wisdom, and the transformative nature of medicine. Its ability to shed its skin has long been interpreted as a metaphor for healing, regeneration, and the cyclical nature of life. The Rod of Asclepius remains the preferred emblem of many reputable medical institutions, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Medical Association (AMA), reinforcing its legitimacy as the true symbol of medical practice.

Why Snakes? The Deeper Symbolism
The prominence of snakes in medical symbolism is rooted in their historical association with healing and transformation. In ancient Greece, the serpent was believed to possess curative powers, with some even considering its mere touch to be therapeutic. This belief extended to early medical practices, where snakes were kept in temples dedicated to Asclepius, and patients sought healing through ritualistic incubation.

Furthermore, the serpent’s dual nature—both venomous and capable of producing its own antivenom—made it an apt representation of medicine itself. This duality mirrors the delicate balance between poison and cure, a fundamental principle in pharmacology and toxicology. The snake’s presence in modern medical symbols, such as the Bowl of Hygieia (a snake coiled around a cup, representing pharmacy), underscores its enduring relevance in the healthcare field.

The Confusion Between the Caduceus and the Rod of Asclepius
The widespread use of the Caduceus in medical contexts is a relatively modern phenomenon, primarily resulting from its adoption by the U.S. Army Medical Corps in 1902. While the American Medical Association (AMA) and other prestigious institutions embraced the Rod of Asclepius, the U.S. Army and other organisations, such as the U.S. Public Health Service, opted for the Caduceus—likely due to its visual appeal and symmetry rather than its historical relevance to medicine.

Despite its incorrect association with healthcare, the Caduceus remains prevalent in certain medical industries, including pharmaceuticals and hospital supply branding. However, the Rod of Asclepius remains the more authentic and widely accepted symbol for the medical profession, maintaining a direct lineage to ancient healing traditions.

Conclusion
The enduring presence of snakes in medical symbolism reflects the intersection of mythology, healing practices, and scientific understanding. While the Caduceus continues to appear in some medical contexts, the Rod of Asclepius remains the true emblem of medicine, representing the profession’s core principles of healing, renewal, and wisdom. The snake, embodying both danger and cure, continues to inspire and symbolise the profound complexity of medical science, bridging ancient traditions with modern healthcare.

References

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332432133_Why_is_the_Medical_Symbol_a_Snake

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6913859/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439707/